The Victory of Easter

The dying words of the famous composer Ludwig Van Beethoven were “Friends applaud, the comedy is over.” There is something haunting about these words. They reveal the insult of death. We know we are not made to die, and yet death comes like a mocking joke. No matter what we do or accomplish, death comes for us all, ignoring our will to go on, and insulting the lives we have lived. But love has come, and God will have the last laugh!

Today’s news is filled with stories of scientists who believe they are the on the verge of conquering death. An article published in 2017 opens with the headline “Seeking eternal life, Silicon Valley is solving for death.” Another reads “Could science one day cure us of old age?” Secretly, most of us hope the answer is “yes!”

But death is undefeated. It has killed 100% of everyone who has ever been born...except for one. The Easter story recounts the death and resurrection of Jesus for us. It presents the end of his life in painful detail from his suffering at the hands of Pilate, to the brutality of the cross. It concludes with the sun going dark and then our Saviour's body laid to rest in a tomb. But as the saying goes: it is always darkest before the dawn!

“‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’

For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

These words from 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 triumphantly declare the victory of Easter! They cause us to reflect on a love that astounds us. A love so great that it put death to death. Oh, that we could grasp the overwhelming victory that is ours in Christ. He has triumphed over death, drawing its poison out upon the cross!

What is it you fear most about death?
What power do you believe it has over you?
Lift your eyes to the cross and behold the Saviour who defeated death once and for all!

Father, help me to understand that this life is not the end. Remind me that, in Christ, I will live forever. I worship you, Jesus; for the cross and for taking the sting of death upon yourself. Thank you that your love has come!